Melbourne Inclusive Church

Let us pray the prayer of Jabez today! Who is Jabez? We only read about him once in the Bible as he prays a bold and powerful prayer to God. Jabez whose name means pain chooses to look to God and not his past pains. He refuses to take on the labels other  people place on him. Instead Jabez prays to God saying  God to bless me, expand my territory (influence). He says Lord let your hand (presence and power) be with me and keep me from harm and pain. The Bibles tells us that God answered his prayer. We encourage you today in whatever area of your life or as a whole that you need help/expansion/presence and protection from pain, pray the prayer of Jabez and open your heart to the presence of God who wants to interact with you and to answer your prayer.To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: www.michurch.org.au/giveMelbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ’s equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race

Following a viewing of the film 1946 (not live-streamed) Joshua Adams shared his faith journey which led him to Melbourne Inclusive Church.During his time of sharing Josh shared an open letter handed out to all in attendance that offered an understanding of God's love for the LGBTIQ community. To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: www.michurch.org.au/giveMelbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ’s equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or culture. Melbourne Inclusive Church is part of the EMI Global family of churches.

Prayer is about relationship with our Creator, the one who holds our lives in the palm of their hand and wants to spend time with us. Sadly, many people see prayer as a chore, a time-consuming activity that we do when it’s convenient. Prayer is seen as what we do when we want God to heal us, to provide for us, to overcome our challenges and change our communities. But prayer is connection. We pray to God, through Christ our High Priest with the assistance of Holy Spirit. Prayer is about presence and in God’s presence our needs are met. So let us enter into the presence of God through prayer, and spend time with God to discuss every aspect of our lives for God cares about us.To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: www.michurch.org.au/giveMelbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ’s equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or culture.Melbourne Inclusive Church is part of the EMI Global

Jesus told His disciples that when He left earth He would send another advocate, the Holy Spirit to guide us in life and empower us to do what Jesus had been doing. During this service Pastor Becky shares who Holy Spirit is and how Holy Spirit operates while sharing the events that took place during EMI's 25 year anniversary celebration in Mexico City.To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: www.michurch.org.au/giveMelbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ’s equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or culture.Melbourne Inclusive Church is part of the EMI Global family of churches.

What is the heart of worship? Melody Foh, co-leader of MIC’s Praise and Worship Ministry, shares her personal journey with worship and how it has evolved over time. Melody reflects on how queerphobia/homophobia in her church affected her connection with God and the church community. Only by approaching God authentically, has the connection been able to be re-established, in a deeper and emotionally powerful way. Melody shares some thoughts about partnering with God for vibrant and life-giving worship.To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: www.michurch.org.au/giveMelbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ’s equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or culture.Melbourne Inclusive Church is part of the EMI Global family of churches.

Who is Abigail? Who is Ananias? There are many famous stories in the Bible. Our heroes of the faith which input so many sermons and give us insight into the character of God. But the Bible is also a treasure chest filled with hidden gems of encouragement and inspiration which comes as we read about those who don't always make the headlines. Spread out over the next few months MIC will be highlighting the stories of people in the Bible who through faith served God faithfully but whose stories are seldom told. If you believe that your story is insignificant, it surely is not. Every story matters as each of us represent the wonder and creativity of our God. Embrace your story and join us on this journey. To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church, go to: www.michurch.org.au/giveMelbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ’s equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or culture.Melbourne Inclusive Chu

While Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity (DEI) has been a topic of heated debate in the media of late, the call to value every person is nothing new—it’s at the heart of the Gospel. Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus radically included those who were excluded and stood up against injustice; showing us how important diversity is and how we should be living our lives in a way that challenges all forms of discrimination, just as He did. This week Cherlyn Chia, Co-leads of MIC’s Queer Women of Colour Life Group and MIC’s Praise and Worship Ministry, generously shares moments from her own life that inspired her to look deeply into the significance of standing up for equity not only for her life, but for those around her, and looking into the bible to see God’s plan for diversity.To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: www.michurch.org.au/giveMelbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ’s equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation,

When we consider the grace of God many times we think of the forgiveness and salvation, we receive when God's justice for our sins fell on Jesus. The law was always meant to point us to Jesus. But Jesus did not come merely to cancel our debts — He came to break our chains. Under the law, people tried to live righteously through willpower. Under grace, we are not only justified and given right standing with God we are empowered to overcome sin and temptation and to do the work of Christ through the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit.To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: www.michurch.org.au/give Melbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ’s equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or culture.Melbourne Inclusive Church is part of the EMI Global family of churches.

The Bible says that we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ. What does it mean to be justified by faith? What does justification have to do with justice? Everything. God's justice was satisfied through the death of Christ. When we understand that we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ and not our own works, how then are we capable of holding back justice for others? The fruit of justification is justice.To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: www.michurch.org.au/giveMelbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ’s equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or culture.Melbourne Inclusive Church is part of the EMI Global family of churches.

He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step. He never did one thing wrong, Not once said anything amiss. They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: www.michurch.org.au/give Melbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ’s equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or culture. Melbourne Inclusive Church is part of the EMI Global family of churches.

Palm Sunday marks the final week of Jesus life before the cross. Every year we celebrate His triumphant entry into Jerusalem and we marvel at His bravery. We are inspired when we read His prayer in Gethsemane …..God if you can take this from me please do…but not my will yours. If we had our will Jesus would overthrow Rome destroying them. If we got our will our freedom would be temporary. Jesus understood that God’s will would redeem us all, forever by dealing with the deeper need, healing in the human heart. He understood that God knew how best to save us from our sinful nature toward one another. The question now sits with us as believers and followers of Jesus. Will we choose His will or our own?support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: www.michurch.org.au/give Melbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ’s equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or culture. Melbourne Inclusive Church i

We have been spending the season of Lent going through Jesus Sermon on the Mount. During our 40 days on the Mount we’re learning about the teachings of Jesus and the kingdom of God. Today we reflect on these learnings and how we can apply them to our lives. We have a choice, we can choose Christ and live according to His teachings, we can ignore the message of Christ, or we can live somewhere in the middle, accepting His salvation but still being tossed around by the world. How do we follow more fully and what is the fruit that is promised to come from our lives when we do? Join us as we discover the possibilities, promises, and the freedom that comes from following Christ. To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: https://www.michurch.org.au/your-gift Melbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ’s equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or culture. Melbourne Inclusive Church is part of

Welcome to week 4 of 40 Days on the Mount. In week 4 Jesus says "Do not judge others or you will be judged" Those are pretty serious words and demonstrate how seriously God views our judgement of others, after all we all sin. This understanding should lead us to the golden rule "do unto others as you would have them do to you" and lead us to pray for the generosity of God. When we ask for what we need and we follow God's ways we are cared for, equipped, and not easily swayed by false teaching. Again we come back to the key message: Seek first the Kingdom and the King.To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: www.michurch.org.au/give Melbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ’s equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or culture. Melbourne Inclusive Church is part of the EMI Global family of churches.

In week 3 of our 40 Days on the Mount we explore Matthew chapter 6. Here Jesus continues his Sermon on the Mount. Jesus assures us that God sees our acts of kindness, hears our prayers and knows our needs. He emphasises the importance of our motives behind these acts. Are we doing these things to impress people or to draw close and honour God? When we do things to impress people rather than God they are many times fear based and based on our need to be seen. But when our acts are based on sincere trust and obedience to God we can rest in peace. When we seek first the king and the kingdom, all the things we need to living will be given to us-therefore there is no need to worry or fear. God sees you-God knows your need. Seek God first. To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: www.michurch.org.au/give Melbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ’s equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race, ethnicity, o

n week two of Jesus Sermon on the Mount we explore what it means to be salt and light in the world. As people created in the image of God what does it mean then to reflect the goodness of God? Jesus explains that we carry His light to the word. He teaches us what that looks like in practical terms. Listen in as we learn together what it means to be salt and light. To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: www.michurch.org.au/giveMelbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ’s equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or culture.Melbourne Inclusive Church is part of the EMI Global family of churches.

During the season of Lent Melbourne Inclusive Church will be spending 40 Days on the Mount-a journey through Jesus' the Sermon on the Mount. This week we explore the Beatitudes - those who are blessed in the Kingdom of God. Take time to reflect this week-compare and contrast these blessings with worldly views of blessing.To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: www.michurch.org.au/giveMelbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ’s equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or culture.Melbourne Inclusive Church is part of the EMI Global family of churches.

Why the Gospel is Good News When you hear the phrase "The good news of the Gospel" what does this mean to you? What is the Gospel and what is the good news? In a literal sense the word Gospel means good news...mystery solved there-but what is this good news? Listen in as Pastor Becky explains the good news and how this good news transforms our lives as believers from one of trying to be good enough to one where we understand that everything has already been done for us. Our responsibility is this....repent (turn around to see Jesus) and believe-that's good news!To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: www.michurch.org.au/give Melbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ’s equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or culture. Melbourne Inclusive Church is part of the EMI Global family of churches.

This world can be filled with chaos, unkindness and uncertainty, we live after all in a fallen world. When our focus becomes surviving the chaos we many times take our focus off of God. This became apparent when the exiles returned from captivity. Their focus became building their own homes while the house of God lay in ruins.  The problem is that when we lose our focus on God we can toil and strive but never feel satisfied. God says to the people in Haggai’s day come together and rebuild this temple and see I am with you and will bless you.The Bible provides numerous examples of what it means to be part of the family of God and the importance of meeting together. This family is meant to be a loving community, a place where love and compassion reside, a place where unity and harmony exist and where forgiveness and grace are offered. These characteristics are developed through the Word of God, through prayer, teaching and through our service to God and one another. This was the model Jesus set and when we stay

We live in a world that often tries to define us by our achievements, possessions, social status, our bodies, our cultures and the list goes on. Value is placed on human beings depending on their identity. What we need to remember however is that that our identity is found first and foremost in the one who created us. Our worth and value are inherent because we bear the mark of our Creator.Every human being is precious, has value, and is loved by our creator God regardless of ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or culture. Human beings were created by God and loved by God and meant to be in relationship with each other. The world will use our diversity to divide us but God uses our diversity to minister the love of God-to come together as one body.To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: https://www.michurch.org.au/your-gift Melbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ’s equal love for all people regardless of their ability, s

On Sunday, Pastor Becky shared about her time walking the Camino de Santiago, also known as the “way” of St. James related to his missionary journeys.The word Camino means journey and Pastor shared how we are all journeying through life. She shared her encounters with other pilgrims along the way. Each walking their own pace, style and distances. Each person vulnerable and at times dependent on one another. Pastor shared how human dignity and respect for each person was so evident and how it reminded her of what the Lord said through the prophet Micah.  “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8). Micah prophesied the coming of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus Christ and the Spirit that now resides in every believer we have the ability to walk in humble obedience to the Lord, caring for one another and preserving human dignity. Walking the “way” of Christ removes the yoke of worldly expecta